National Sleep Awareness Week starts today

WAKE UP!:

March 01, 2009

Sleep is one of the most basic human needs, and nearly every human function works at a higher level after a restful night of sleep. Consistent restless nights may lead to even greater problems - like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke or even death. National Sleep Awareness Week, which starts today, is “a time to really think about your quality of sleep,” according to information from Avera St. Luke's. For Robin Kaul, finding out he had extreme sleep apnea came after a long journey of trying to figure out why his health was deteriorating. It didn't even take a full night in Avera St. Luke's Sleep Lab in Aberdeen before detecting the severity of his sleep problems. Sleep apnea is the frequent stoppage of breathing caused by relaxed tissues in the throat during sleep. In addition to excessive snoring, these stoppages can lead to an increasingly restless sleep. Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, as disrupted breathing strains the heart and other vital functions. “I was such an extreme case. I was so tired, and I had no energy no matter how much I slept,” Kaul said. Though it took him months to see results and get used to using the BiPAP machine, a breathing apparatus that helps him get more air into his lungs and adjusts to his needs, he finally did. Using continuous positive airway pressure is another common treatment for sleep apnea. With the proper help for a sleep disorder, a person may be more productive, happier and healthier. The sleep study process is an overnight screening that logs significant sleep patterns and aberrations. Avera St. Luke's Sleep Lab registered polysomnographic technologists can monitor 16 different body functions. A patient gets “wired up,” then technologists monitor and videotape sleep time. After a pulmonologist interprets results, it's time to work toward a solution. Kaul now uses his BiPAP every night - even when he takes a nap. “It's pretty easy and painless. It does make such a difference,” he said. “My whole body is functioning better.” He now takes no medication, his sugar and other levels have balanced out, and he's lost weight. He's thankful that Esther Preszler, a client of his at Studio Nine hair salon in Aberdeen and a nurse practitioner in Roscoe, helped direct him to the Sleep Lab. “If you are feeling tired during the day or never seem to get good night's sleep, look for answers through a sleep study monitored by specially trained, licensed individuals,” said Rachel Haigh-Blume, director of Avera St. Luke's Sleep Lab. “There are many types of sleeping disorders that can be diagnosed through this comprehensive study, including narcolepsy, sleep apnea, rapid eye movement disorders, restless leg syndrome and many more.” More than 40 million Americans are affected by sleep disorders. According to Avera St. Luke's,“the most current technology available” is used to help patients throughout the region find out why they struggle to sleep. Nearly 400 sleep studies are done each year at Avera St. Luke's Sleep Lab. A doctor's order is necessary to make an appointment for testing. Call 605-622-5357 for more information.